God speaks in whispers
and we live in a loud world.

Hearing God’s voice amidst the noise and busyness of our lives can be difficult. When we desire to do God’s will, are willing to be open to God, and have a solid knowledge of God, then discernment is possible. Therefore, prayer is an essential component to the process of discernment. As we become more familiar with the Lord in prayer, we will come to know that the “still small voice” speaks in peace, never in turmoil, anxiety, or restlessness.

As you discern who God is calling you to be and whether you are being called to religious life, it is helpful to spend time in prayer and talk with others about your vocation.

 

Have questions about the discernment process?

The Archdiocese of Atlanta vocations website is a great place to start. There is general information about the discernment process, as well as specific information about marriage, consecrated religious life, permanent diaconate, and priesthood.

 

Interested in pursuing consecrated Religious Life?

We've compiled a list of religious communities who would love to speak with you! Check out the websites below for weekend come-and-see opportunities, contact information, and more!

ReligiousMinistries.com - A comprehensive directory of Catholic men's and women's communities

Men

Augustinian Brothers - Province of St. Thomas of Villanova
Benedictine Monks of St. Vincent Archabbey - Latrobe, PA
Carmelite Friars - Province of St. Elias, Middletown, New York
Cistercian Monks - New Melleray Abbey, Peosta, Iowa
Cistercian Monks - Monastery of the Holy Spirit, Conyers, Georgia
Dominican Friars - Province of St. Martin De Porres, Memphis, Tennessee
Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers - Maryknoll, New York
Missionary Society of St. Columban - St. Columbans, Nebraska
Priests of the Sacred Heart

Women

Benedictine Sisters - Sacred Heart Monastery, Cullman, Alabama
Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles - Alhambra, California
Dominican Sisters - Dominican Monastery of St. Jude, Marbury, Alabama
Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne - Our Lady of Perpetual Help Home, Atlanta, Georgia
Dominican Sisters of Mary Immaculate - Houston, Texas
Glenmary Sisters - Owensboro, Kentucky
Missionary Sisters of St. Columban - St. Columban’s on the Lake, Silver Creek, New York
Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco - Missionary Society of the Salesian Sisters, Eastern Province, USA
Sisters of Bon Secours - Marriottsville, Maryland
Sisters of Life - Annunciation Motherhouse, Suffern, New York
Sisters of Notre Dame - Chardon, Ohio
Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration - Immaculate Heart of Mary Province, Mishawaka, IN

Becoming a priest or a man or woman religious is not primarily our own decision...Rather it is the response to a call and to a call of love.
— Pope Francis, Address to Seminarians and Novices, July 6, 2013